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Welcome to the DTI's Innovation Home Page

Innovation – the successful exploitation of new ideas – is the key business process that enables UK businesses to compete effectively in the increasingly competitive global environment. The DTI is working to stimulate a significant increase in innovation throughout the economy.  This section charts our progress, summarises legislation, and gives practical information for companies.

It explains current policy goals, such as the transfer of knowledge between the science and business communities, and support for small businesses as key sources of innovation. It covers Living Innovation, web streaming of a series of high profile events for aspiring business builders, which share insights to help companies improve their performance.  There is also information about the Technology Programme and Knowledge Transfer Networks, designed to increase the speed at which leading-edge science is turned into market-ready products, processes and services.

These pages also provide advice on finance and investment and on management and skills.  They explore the vital role of research and development and explain how businesses can access the practical support available for R&D and innovative projects.  We also cover innovation in Europe and UK and European Standards.  Case studies of success show how companies are creating new products, services and markets to beat the competition.